Prozac and Paxil Linked to Increased Risk of Birth Defects

Paxil and Prozac birth defects Paxil and Prozac, two popular antidepressants, have been linked to a higher rate of birth defects, according to a new study.

Conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers analyzed conflicting results from studies that were previously completed, as well as new data on more than 27,000 births.

Was your child diagnosed with a birth defect after you took an antidepressant or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)? Victims may be entitled to compensation for their child’s pain and suffering. The experienced SSRI birth defect attorneys at Schmidt Kramer can help you determine your legal options.

For a free legal consultation, call (888) 476-0807.

According to the research, published in The BMJ, a link was found between birth defects and the use of Paxil and Prozac. However, researchers did not find a link between defects and other antidepressants like Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro.

Researchers asked women which medications they took in the month before and during the first three months of pregnancy. Afterward, they analyzed whether women who took certain antidepressants were more likely to have birth defects than women who did not take those medications.

Although the CDC notes that the study does not prove that Paxil and Prozac cause birth defects, it does provide support to previous studies on SSRIs. Further information the study revealed includes:

Paxil and Prozac were linked to the obstruction of blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
Paxil was linked to holes in the heart wall.
Paxil was also linked to anencephaly, a condition in which babies are born without parts of the skull and brain.
Paxil and Prozac were linked to irregularly shaped skulls.

In some cases, the risks for certain conditions doubled or tripled among women taking Prozac or Paxil.

In addition to these findings, researchers are hoping that the antidepressants not linked to increased risks may help women suffering from depression while pregnant.

The experienced lawyers at Schmidt Kramer understand the harmful effects these medications can have on these young victims. We believe that mothers and their children deserve justice for the risks they have undergone while taking antidepressants such as Paxil and Prozac.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of these medications, contact the lawyers you can trust to fight for your rights.

For a free case evaluation, call (888) 476-0807 or fill out an online contact form.

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Popular Antidepressants Linked to Higher Rate of Birth Defects